Zedd (real name Anton Zaslavski, born 1989, Saratov, Russia; raised in Germany) is a Grammy-winning electronic music producer, DJ, and songwriter whose work spans progressive house, electro, pop, and classical-influenced production. He became a defining figure of early 2010s EDM and has since evolved into one of the most polished and versatile crossover producers in the world.
Zedd grew up in a classically trained family—his parents were musicians, and he began playing piano at age four and drums at twelve. This background shaped his meticulous approach to composition and melody. He first played in a metal band before turning to electronic production after hearing Justice and The Bloody Beetroots.
In 2010, he began uploading remixes and original tracks online, quickly gaining attention for his technical precision and complex sound design.
Zedd’s remix of Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” helped launch his career within the electro-house scene. Signed to Interscope Records, he released “Shave It” (2011) and “Spectrum” (feat. Matthew Koma) (2012), both major hits in the progressive house world. His debut album Clarity (2012) became a defining EDM album of the decade, fusing anthemic melodies, cinematic builds, and powerful vocals.
The title track, “Clarity” (feat. Foxes), won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording (2014). Other singles like “Stay the Night” (feat. Hayley Williams) expanded his audience into pop.
Zedd became a major bridge between EDM and pop, working with some of the biggest artists in the world. His second album, True Colors (2015), featured tracks like “I Want You to Know” (feat. Selena Gomez) and “Beautiful Now.” He co-wrote and produced global hits including:
“Stay” (with Alessia Cara, 2017) – a minimalist future-bass anthem that became a global smash.
“The Middle” (with Maren Morris & Grey, 2018) – one of the decade’s most streamed songs, blending country, pop, and EDM.
During this era, Zedd established his signature sound: bright, crystalline synths, emotional pop vocals, and tight rhythmic layering.
In the 2020's, he released “Good Thing” (with Kehlani) and “Inside Out” (feat. Griff), refining his style with a more understated, melodic approach.
He also continued performing as a mainstage headliner at festivals such as EDC, Ultra, and Coachella.
In 2024, Zedd announced work on a new album, his first in nearly a decade, promising a return to more instrumental and conceptual roots, incorporating orchestral elements—a nod to his classical upbringing.